Fifth column: Tunnel vision
The state of Brussels' tunnels has left drivers frustrated and a little perplexed
Anja Otte's take on the week in politics
In just two weeks, two tunnels had to close after major incidents: the Stefania tunnel, leading incoming traffic to Louiza, and the two-kilometre Leopold II tunnels, from the Koekelberg basilica to the city centre. Both have problems with the concrete, calling for major repair works. Closing the tunnels, deemed inevitable, will only increase traffic jams in Europe’s congestion capital.
So what do the Flemish think about Brussels? One view is that it is badly governed. Many fail to understand the capital’s institutional mesh, which consists of one region, two communities, 19 municipalities and six policing zones and, to top it all off, also has a (non-elected) governor and vice-governor.
This city is costing us a lot of money, is another popular view. Brussels politicians argue that it is only logical that the city should receive more means, as it is the capital, the home of many international institutions and the workplace of hundreds of thousands of commuters, who pay their taxes elsewhere. And who are the main users of the tunnels? Yes, these very commuters, driving in from Flanders.
These arguments cut no ice in Flanders. Brussels already receives €125 million annually from the federal government to fulfil its “metropolitan and capital function” under what is known as the Beliris agreement. Tunnel maintenance is a perfect example of this money’s intended purpose.
In the last state reform, Brussels cashed in even more in a typical Belgian trade-off between more competences for Flanders and more money for Brussels and Wallonia. This explains the strong reaction by Flemish minister-president Geert Bourgeois when it was suggested that Flanders contribute to some of the costs of works in the tunnels. Is there no end to what Brussels will ask from Flanders?
Issues like this one are typically discussed in the Concertation Committee of Regions and Communities. It’s made up of representatives from the respective governments, but they are from different coalitions and are reluctant to co-operate constructively.
So that leaves Flemish and Brusselaars alike stuck in the capital’s traffic, with plenty of time to ponder the political situation that has left them there.
